How to Care for Bluejay Blueberry Shrubs

The Bluejay blueberry, as all cultivars, is a member of the Ericaceae family. While the Bluejay is vigorous and fast-growing, it is less productive than other cultivars. It produces light blue fruit that is medium to large and has a mild flavor. This cultivar produces a firm berry that doesn't crack as readily as other cultivars. The fruit can also hang on the plant for a longer time without losing its flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Compost or pulverized bark

Instructions

1. Choose the best site for the Bluejay blueberry shrub--a spot with full sun, unless you live in an area with a lot of sun such as the southern United States. If you live in an area with long, hot summers, choose a spot that gets full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.

2. Test the soil's pH level; it should have a pH of between 4.5 and 5.5. If the pH is too high, mix 2 lbs. of sulfur powder per 100 square feet, 8 inches down. If the soil pH is between 5 and 6.5 (just a bit too neutral), mix 5 inches of sawdust or peat moss into the top 8 inches of soil.

3. Water the Bluejay blueberry shrub with 2 inches of water per week. The roots of this plant are shallow, and the top of the soil dries out quickly. To save water, mulch the blueberry shrub with compost or pulverized bark and water with 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week. The mulch helps the soil retain moisture.

4. Strip the blossoms during the first year so that the plant does not produce. This also slows the growth of the plant. Prune all dead and decaying wood and plant matter. In the second spring, strip most of the blossoms, prune for dead and decaying plant matter, and spread 3 inches of new mulch. Fertilize the Bluejay during the second spring (do not fertilize the first year). In the third year, strip some of the blossoms and prune for dead and decaying wood and plant matter. Replenish the mulch so that there is 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the shrub. Fertilize the Bluejay in the third year. In the fourth year, prune for dead and decaying wood and plant matter, then mulch and fertilize the Bluejay.

Tips & Warnings

• If the Bluejay has red leaves, according to Washington State University, the shrub has a nitrogen deficiency. Use a fertilizer that is slightly higher in nitrogen.

References

• Washington State University: Spokane County Extension: Blueberries
• University of New Hampshire Extension: Blueberry Varieties for New Hampshire Growers
• Oregon State University Extension: Blueberry Cultivars for Oregon